Silver Screamers

Dir: Sean Cisterna, Canada, 2026, Documentary.
Audience Award Winner, Toronto After Dark Film Festival.
"There’s no shortage of documentaries about the struggles of independent filmmaking, but few are as unexpectedly joyful (or as charming) as Silver Screamers. What begins as an unusual experiment in senior citizen engagement quickly blossoms into something much richer: a celebration of creativity, community, and the irrepressible spirit of people who refuse to be sidelined by age. This is a feel-great documentary that will leave you with a smile on your face... Frustrated by endless grant rejections, Cisterna stumbles upon a government program designed to keep seniors active and decides to recruit an entire crew from local retirement homes to make a horror short called The Rug. This leads to a motley crew of 70 to 96-year-olds who are an absolute hoot... These seniors are magnetic, hilarious, and brimming with personality... What could have been a throwaway 'cute' concept becomes something deeply humanizing... Even more endearing is the film’s tone. It never talks down to its subjects and instead celebrates their resilience, curiosity, and humor. The seniors tackle special effects gags with the enthusiasm of teenagers, debate story choices like seasoned pros, and radiate camaraderie throughout the process... Carrying the message that you’re never too old to try something new, Silver Screamers is delightful in every way." - Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots

Genre: Documentary

Runtime: 95 min

Rating: PG